How to choose Math books based on the new subject banding scheme?

In 2024, Singapore's education system will undergo a significant transformation as the traditional Express, N(A), and N(T) streams make way for the more flexible G1, G2, and G3 bands. This shift aims to cater to students' diverse strengths and preferences, offering them the opportunity to excel in subjects that align with their abilities.

Subject-based banding heralds a new era of personalized learning, allowing students to choose subjects at varying levels of difficulty. This approach acknowledges that not all students learn at the same pace or excel in the same areas, empowering them to pursue their academic interests with greater flexibility.

The transition to G1, G2, and G3 bands is seamlessly integrated with the existing PSLE score ranges, ensuring a smooth transition for students and schools alike. While the posting groups determine initial subject placements and school admissions, they do not dictate students' educational journey beyond the initial stage. For instance, a student entering under posting group 2 will initially engage with G2 level subjects, with opportunities to advance to G3 based on their performance and aptitude. This dynamic approach encourages continuous growth and achievement, enabling students to reach their full potential over time.

As educators and publishers adapt to these changes, the focus remains on delivering quality education that equips students with essential skills and knowledge. While updates to textbooks and materials are underway, the core curriculum remains consistent, ensuring continuity in learning outcomes. Looking ahead, the introduction of the common Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education exam prompts speculation about its impact on students. Will it be more challenging or aligned with the new banding system? Only time will tell, but educators are committed to preparing students for success in any scenario.

In the midst of these changes, selecting appropriate resources becomes essential for students navigating the G2 and G3 levels in Mathematics. Here are some recommended Math assessment books tailored to support students at these proficiency levels. They are aligned with exam standards and the level of difficulty is in accordance to the various levels and school exams. 

Suitable for G1 students

Advanced Mathematics for G3 and IP students is a new entrant. As the name implies, it is slightly more challenging than what you'll see in the textbooks. Interesting nuggets of information is sometimes posted as a prelude to the chapter. 

One reason why students have issues with solving problem sums with algebra at a Secondary school level is because there is no single procedure. Every problem is slightly different. You will just have to practise practise and practise! Examples are given so self study is possible with the help of this book. To meet 21st-century competencies, this book is a MUST-HAVE for G3 students. 

Mastering G3 Mathematics -- The Ultimate Guide. 

This compact yet potent book is a treasure trove of condensed information. Its concise format covers a multitude of chapters and subjects, making it invaluable for refreshing one's memory throughout the year, especially when preparing for comprehensive end-of-year examinations that encompass a daunting 101 chapters.

Moreover, its utility extends beyond a single academic year; it's a valuable resource that can remain relevant for up to four years. This longevity is particularly crucial as certain topics covered in lower secondary education resurface in Secondary 4 assessments. Given that by this stage, some students may struggle to recall even fundamental concepts like the definition of a rational number, having a comprehensive reference like this at hand proves invaluable.

You can get it here: https://sapgrp.com/product/mastering-g3-mathematics-secondary-1/

This is a set of 3 books written by Mavis Tutorial Centre and published by Singapore Asia Publishers. The set has been around for awhile now and is one of my favourites given the array of questions.

See how they attempt to explain each and every step with annotations of the more confusing steps?

Again, step by step solutions are provided. Typically for Mathematics, I tend to look for books with step-by-step solutions. This is to ensure that I have something to refer to should there be a discrepancy in the answers.

You can get it here: https://sapgrp.com/product/integrated-mathematics-numbers-graphs-statistics-for-secondary-1/

Suitable for G2 students

Secondary 2 Mathematics Tutorial 

This book comes in both part A and B. As with most books, there are worked examples prior to the exercises.

This book's extensive array of questions serves as an excellent tool for reinforcing key concepts. Its ample practice exercises provide valuable opportunities for students to solidify their understanding of each topic. As a complement to the child's textbook, it enhances the learning experience by offering additional practice and reinforcement beyond what is typically found in standard curriculum materials.

Don't fret if you do not know how to do. At the end of the book, there are step-by-step worked solutions.

Something interesting to note: little tips (Teacher's Desk) are also highlighted on most page. 

It comes in Secondary 1 versions too. You can get it here: https://sapgrp.com/product/secondary-1-normal-academic-mathematics-tutorial-1a/

Additionally, over on the website, you can find free resources for many of their books!

See! there are even free test papers! All you need is to sign up for an account and assess them for free!

(https://sapgrp.com/free-test-papers/)

The Conquer series of Secondary Mathematics is a book I would recommend should your foundation not be strong. These in my opinion are basic questions. The book covers every chapter of the syllabus and is aligned with the latest curriculum. 

Once again, clear step-by-step solutions are provided. I really appreciate books with step-by-step solutions because at least we have some form of explanation and do not simply have to accept the given answers. We all know that sometimes, even answers can go wrong. 

You can get it here: https://sapgrp.com/product/conquer-secondary-mathematics-1/

It isn't an easy task selecting the right book these days. If you notice, there are quite a bit of application questions and real-world problems given to students. MOE is clearly moving into the direction of getting students to be more creative and not simply focused on rote learning. With the right books like the ones recommended above, we can help our children gain such competencies. So be it whether you are a G1/ G2/ G3 student, head over to Singapore Asia Publishers, there is sure to be a book for you! 

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